The Liske Family Murders
Digest
This podcast delves into the horrific murders of the Liskey family, committed by their stepson, BJ Liskey. The podcast explores BJ's troubled past, including his history of anger, violence, and bullying, as well as his diagnosis of schizophrenia disorder bipolar type. It highlights the challenges faced by Billy Liskey, BJ's father, in trying to get his son the help he needed, including seeking guardianship and placing him in a halfway house. The podcast discusses the dangers of untreated mental illness and the potential for violence, exploring the link between mental illness and violence, and the role of delusions and substance abuse in exacerbating these risks. It examines BJ's motives for killing his family, focusing on the concept of family annihilators and the psychological factors that can contribute to such acts. The podcast concludes with BJ's arrest, trial, and death in prison, highlighting the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness and the devastating impact of family annihilator crimes.
Outlines
The Liskey Family Murders and the Discovery of the Bodies
This chapter details the horrific murders of Billy, Susan, and Derek Liskey, committed by their stepson, BJ Liskey. The discovery of the bodies, the investigation, and BJ's arrest are described.
BJ Liskey's Troubled Past and Family Dynamics
This chapter delves into BJ's childhood and adolescence, highlighting his history of anger, violence, and bullying. It explores the impact of his parents' divorce and his strained relationship with his stepmother, Susan.
BJ's Mental Illness Diagnosis and its Impact
This chapter focuses on BJ's mental health struggles, including his diagnosis of schizophrenia disorder bipolar type. It explains the nature of these disorders and their potential impact on behavior and decision-making.
Billy's Efforts to Help BJ and the Challenges Faced
This chapter recounts Billy's attempts to get BJ the help he needed, including seeking guardianship and placing him in a halfway house. It highlights Billy's unwavering love for his son despite BJ's violent outbursts.
The Tragedy of Untreated Mental Illness and its Consequences
This chapter discusses the dangers of untreated mental illness and the potential for violence. It explores the challenges faced by families dealing with mentally ill individuals and the importance of seeking professional help.
BJ's Motives and the Role of Delusions and Bipolar Mania
This chapter examines BJ's motives for killing his family, focusing on the role of his delusions and untreated bipolar mania. It explores the concept of family annihilators and the psychological factors that can contribute to such acts.
BJ's Arrest, Trial, and Sentencing
This chapter details BJ's arrest, the discovery of evidence, and his subsequent trial. It describes his competency hearing, his guilty plea, and his sentencing to life in prison without parole.
Keywords
Family Annihilator
A person who commits murder against their entire family, often motivated by mental illness, delusions, or a desire for revenge.
Schizophrenia Disorder Bipolar Type
A severe mental illness characterized by psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and mood swings ranging from mania to depression.
Delusions
False beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. Common in schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Can lead to impulsive behavior and violence.
Untreated Mental Illness
Mental illness that is not diagnosed or treated, leading to potential consequences such as violence, self-harm, and social isolation.
Guardianship
A legal arrangement where a person is appointed to make decisions on behalf of another individual who is deemed incapable of doing so themselves.
Halfway House
A residential facility that provides support and supervision for individuals transitioning from a hospital or prison setting back into the community.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding the Liskey family murders?
BJ Liskey, suffering from schizophrenia disorder bipolar type, murdered his father, stepmother, and stepbrother in their home. The murders were discovered by BJ's stepbrother, Devon, who was unharmed.
What were some of the challenges faced by Billy Liskey in trying to help his son?
Billy struggled with BJ's violent outbursts, his refusal to take medication, and his inability to understand the severity of his mental illness. He also faced the challenge of balancing his love for his son with the safety of his family.
What is the link between mental illness and violence?
While not all individuals with mental disorders commit crimes, research suggests that those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for violence, particularly when substance abuse is present.
What are some of the potential consequences of untreated mental illness?
Untreated mental illness can lead to a range of negative consequences, including violence, self-harm, social isolation, substance abuse, and suicide.
What are some of the key factors that can contribute to family annihilator crimes?
Family annihilator crimes are often motivated by mental illness, delusions, revenge, or a desire to escape perceived family dysfunction. These crimes can be driven by a combination of psychological factors and external stressors.
Show Notes
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of William “B.J.” Liske. On the morning of Halloween 2010, B.J. killed three members of his own family: his father, stepmother and stepbrother. On the surface, it seemed like a random attack. But behind the curtain of a big happy family was a history of turmoil and violence – fueled by a troubled young man with a severe, longstanding and untreated mental illness. Candice explores how the Liske family slowly fell apart, and how B.J.'s behavior and mindset unraveled into the unthinkable.
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